Motsoeneng reinstatement: SABC board must stand its ground

The DA urges the SABC board to assert its authority on its decision to remove Mr Hlaudi Motsoeneng from his position as SABC Acting Chief Operating Officer, even if it has to do so in a court of law. This follows comments made by Minister of Communications, Dina Pule, that he will remain in his position because she asserts that his removal by the board was not done correctly.

The board maintains that the meeting was quorate, chaired by the deputy chairperson, appropriately minuted by the company secretary, and held in accordance with the Broadcasting Act and other laws regarding corporate governance.

The board is required to inform the minister of any acting appointments it makes to the SABC's executive and she has no authority to intervene.

The SABC board must defend its right to make executive appointments in the interests of best possible governance of the SABC and should not be dictated to in this regard or beholden to Minister Pule's political whims. This is the only way the SABC has a chance at turning itself around and becoming a credible, independent and true public broadcaster.

Mr Mostoeneng has proved unsuitable in the post for which is has neither the appropriate experience, temperament or qualifications.

Now is the time for the SABC to stand firm and for the Minister to stop meddling in the operations of the corporation.

Statement issued by Marian Shinn MP, DA Shadow Minister of Communications, March 14 2013

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